Valencia
National Register Listing
Street Address:
NW of Ridgeway on CR 106, Ridgeway, SC Vicinity of City (Fairfield County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817720039
Description and Narrative:
A Fairfield County landmark, this upcountry plantation house reflects the lowcountry background of its original owner, whose descendants have consistently maintained its character. Valencia was built by Edward Gendron Palmer, a leader in civic, political, and religious life of Ridgeway and Fairfield County, who exerted much influence in building of railroads in upper South Carolina. He studied at Dr. Moses Waddel’s school at Willington, graduated from South Carolina College, A.B. 1819, read law in Columbia, and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1821. Palmer was a member of the Nullification Convention (1834-1848) and the South Carolina Senate (1857-65). He was instrumental in building Fairfield District’s first Episcopal place of worship, Cedar Creek Mission, and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church in 1854. Valencia is a large two-story frame house on a brick pier foundation built ca. 1834. The house features a hipped roof, two mammoth chimneys, and a broad one-story piazza with unique elliptical arches. The interior features long central halls on both floors, high-ceilinged rooms, carved trim and woodwork, and noteworthy mantels. The home overlooks gently rolling hills. The view, reminiscent of the family’s travels to Valencia, Spain, inspired the property’s name. Listed in the National Register May 6, 1971.
Period of Significance:
1834
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Religion;Agriculture;Architecture;Politics/Government;Transportation
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
May 6 1971
